Argentina players taunted the England team bus after their 1998 World Cup penalty shootout win by blasting music and partying, according to Michael Owen. The former England striker recounted the incident ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-final between the two sides. Alan Shearer made a damning statement to the younger players, including Owen, urging them to "remember this moment" and exact revenge.
The 1998 World Cup Clash
In the 1998 World Cup round of 16, England faced Argentina in Saint-Etienne. Gabriel Batistuta put Argentina ahead from the penalty spot before Alan Shearer equalized with a penalty of his own. Michael Owen then scored a brilliant individual goal to put England 2-1 up, but Javier Zanetti equalized just before half-time. The match ended 2-2 after extra time, and Argentina won 4-3 on penalties, with David Beckham sent off earlier in the game.
The Taunting on the Team Bus
Speaking to the Mail before the 2026 semi-final, Owen described the aftermath: "We were on the team bus after the game and were underneath the stadium in Saint-Etienne. We’d lost on penalties in the last 16. The bus was quiet and we were all feeling pretty sorry for ourselves. There was silence and dejection, a feeling of what might have been. We should have won that night. We looked out of the window and the Argentina bus was parked in the bay next to us."
He continued: "Their players were just getting on and the party soon started. The music was blasting and, literally, the bus was shaking. Javier Zanetti. Diego Simeone. Gabriel Batistuta. They were banging on the windows and loving every minute of it."
Shearer's Rallying Cry
Amid the frustration, Alan Shearer walked onto the England bus and made a cutting remark. Owen recalled: "But I’ll never forget Alan Shearer walking on our bus. He stopped and pointed to the Argentina bus. He stood there and at the top of his voice told us, 'Some of you will be lucky enough to play that mob again. Just remember this, remember this moment.'"
Revenge in 2002
Four years later, England and Argentina met again in the group stage of the 2002 World Cup. David Beckham scored a penalty to give England a 1-0 victory, exacting some revenge. However, Argentina had the last word in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, coming from behind to win 2-1 and reach the final, breaking English hearts once more.
